The Chisholms learn that the Virginia land they have been working has been deeded away. They decide it is time to pull up stakes and take their wagon west to California. When they get to Louisville, they hire Lester Hackett as a guide.

As the Chisholms move west, they notice a man is following them. Soon Lester disappears with Will's horse. Will and Gideon set off after Lester and the horse while the family continues on their westward journey.

The Chisholms make their way across the plains and get attacked by Indians before they reach Ft. Laramie. Will and Gideon get out of jail and find a young Indian woman hiding in a house and bring her along with them.

Lester shows up at Ft. Laramie. Then Will and Gideon arrive. Will wants Lester hung for stealing his horse. Bonnie Sue reveals she is pregnant with Lester's child. The Chisholms start to make a home outside of the fort.

Ft. Laramie comes under siege from hostile Native Americans as the Chisholm family draw near.

Betsy uses her charms to create a rivalry between Bo and Gideon for her affections. When grazing foe the cattle is destroyed by fire the troops use grain intended for the Indians for feed.

Hadley decides he can not be in a wagon train with Cooper Hawkins. He leaves the train and takes a new, faster trail to California through the desert. Betsy asks if she can join the Chisholms, but she starts to cause family friction.

As the Chisholms continue across the desert, the come across Betsy's brothers. Soon, Cooper Hawkins arrives and is searching for the brothers. Hadley has to decide who is telling the truth.

The family realizes they don't have enough food to get through the mountains. Will and Keewidinok go on ahead to get supplies and bring them back. Snow starts to fall as the wagons move. Hadley's health does not seem to be improving.

The family buries Hadley and finds an empty tavern and bar near by. Min decides she wants to stay. They learn there is a tax lien on the property and they don't have any money. An old friend of Cooper's rides by.

A friend of Hawkins stops by for a visit. He leaves and then returns with a bullet hole. Min and the girls go into town where Min catches the attention of Mr. Sinclair who is a widower.

While the family is picking up some apple trees they ordered from Cape Horn, Keewidinok's life was saved by a black man who had just arrived from Africa. When they arrived home, the trees were broken and family arguments ensued.

Bo's friendship with a Franciscan padre tries the patience of devoutly Baptist Minerva.